03/08/2026
Gustavo Gomez, a former Combat Engineer (12B) in the United States Army, was raised in a traditional Mexican household. He grew up in a home where his parents worked hard to ensure their children never had to worry about basic needs.
Gustavo remembers his childhood as one filled with freedom, adventure, and strong family values that helped shape the person he would become. During high school, Gustavo describes himself as a “C” student who struggled to find direction and motivation. After graduating in 2008 with no clear plan for his future, he realized he needed a change. Wanting to leave his hometown and experience something new, he decided to join the United States Army, seeing it as a chance to challenge himself and build a better life.
Gustavo began boot camp in January 2013 at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Although the training was physically and mentally demanding, it proved rewarding and helped him develop discipline, resilience, and confidence. After completing training, he prepared for deployment and was assigned to a route clearance unit specializing in vehicle operations. During his deployment to Afghanistan, Gustavo operated the HUSKY, a vehicle designed to detect improvised explosive devices (IEDs), and also served as a gunner operating the CROWS system.
As his time in the Army came to an end, Gustavo reflected on how deeply the military had shaped him. It gave him purpose, discipline, and determination. With that foundation, his transition to civilian life was smooth. He enrolled in college using the Post-9/11 GI Bill and began classes as soon as possible.
Today, Gustavo holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration and is pursuing his MBA while working at the university. He also participates in local boards and supports community initiatives. When advising others about enlistment, he says, “There’s a brotherhood in the military that you can’t get anywhere else.” When asked if he would do it again, he answers without hesitation: “Yes. It was one of my favorite times of my life.” His experiences transformed his outlook on life, helping him become more structured, responsible, and focused on long-term goals for himself and his community now